Clan, Honor, and Empire

Clan Beginnings #3

by Tracy St. John

Dramok Rajhir has never had to go without. He’s been blessed with the best schooling, a prestigious pedigree, a fine home, plus all the intimate companionship a young Kalquorian male could ask for. But with status comes responsibility. His father insists Rajhir assume his place in Kalquorian society as soon as possible. Rajhir is determined to have some fun however, and all the machinations in the world won’t convince him to build his clan until he’s ready for it. He doesn’t count on true love walking into his office with a story of political intrigue that could put all of the Kalquorian Empire in jeopardy.

Imdiko Flencik is a brilliant young surgeon who stumbles upon a smuggling operation with far-reaching implications. Desperate to stop men willing to sell Kalquor’s future to an ancient enemy, he chances upon Rajhir, whose connections may mean the difference between life and death. It’s not just the Empire’s future that hangs in the balance, however. Flencik knows falling in love with this playboy Dramok could shatter his already bruised heart.

Nobek Breft is a young man still in training camp. He has no prestige and no future, yet his fierce personality yearns for the perfect clanmates to protect. When he meets Rajhir and Flencik, all he can think of is to prove himself worthy of their love. He will do anything to keep them safe ... a tall order he may not possess the skills to fulfill. Political enemies who have already killed once have set their sights on the men Breft would call clanmates.

Honor is the three men’s code, the thing they hold most dear. Yet when love and duty clash, they must decide if their loyalties lie first with the Kalquorian Empire or each other.

Mature subject matter, including elements of BDSM.

Genres: BDSM, Science Fiction, Menage, M M Romance, Aliens, Romance, M M M

524 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 3, 2014

About the author

Born in a small town on the coast of North Carolina to strict parents, Tracy St. John started out as a quiet, shy child. She was typical for her small town: studying hard for good grades, fishing with her dad on Saturdays and attending church on Sundays.

When adolescence kicked in, so did full-on rebellion. School, family and church fell by the wayside as Tracy partied too hard with the wrong people. Somehow surviving her wild-child phase, she pursued several careers before finally settling on video production and writing.

A string of failed relationships prompted her to give up on love…which of course meant fate immediately tossed Mr. Right her way. After only 4 months of dating, she eloped with the love of her life. They just celebrated 14 years of wedded bliss.

Prior to penning her first erotic novel ‘Alien Embrace’, Tracy wrote commercials, television and radio promos, and training films for various government entities.

Tracy St. John now lives in coastal Georgia with her husband and son. She still enjoys fishing, and you’ll often find her haunting train museums with her locomotive-loving son. Besides writing, she also works in video production both in front of and behind the camera. She’s usually cast as the gun-toting bad gal, getting handcuffed in the end. She has no complaints.

Reviews

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yeah, considering the emotional connection, physical attraction and sexual energy between these three guys, I'm glad I've written off the concurrent series where the triad clans gets their Matara (female mate). Those books are MFM+ and I just can't reconcile having all this hotness sublimated for the reverse-harem aspect.

[Lilia Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is close to 5 stars--really well done. My only hesitations are that I would have liked more with the third clanmate, Breft and I found the depiction of the Imdiko's mother really perfunctory and not at the level of every other character in the book.

This book is a prequel. Having just looked at (I couldn't finish) the first book in the Kalquor world,Alien Embrace, which deals with the same male characters some years later when they find their earther lady love, I am really impressed by how much St. John has developed. This most recent book, her best that I've read, is a gazillion times better than the first, with far more complex characterization and assured plotting--even the editing is much cleaner. I also thought the sex was much better done. It's pretty clear that all the Kalquor books are complete sex-fests. The first book managed that rarity for me of containing way, way too much sex, not helped by the fact that I found it repetitive and at times ridiculous: male characters walk through the front door on a visit and immediately begin undressing the heroine so they can all have sex. Wake up next morning, repeat. Afternoon, repeat... Heroine has medical examination immediately followed by sex.... another exam, more sex.... The sex scenes in Clan, Honor, and Empire on the other hand are fantastic--really hot and, ahem, rereadable, but also varied and shedding light on the characters' personalities.

Bottom Line: I am definitely enjoying the M/M part of the Kalquor series and can't wait for the next volume. I will probably try a few more of the "hetero" books just to fill in the world--the reviews suggest they get better as the series goes on--based on this very satisfying book, I can believe it.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting impatiently for this story, slavishly following Tracy's blog and fb page, greedily reading any tidbits she let fall about the progress of the writing. I have to say. . . it was WORTH EVERY SECOND!

First of all, you are basically getting 2 books for one very reasonable price, especially compared to some of the other authors out there who, frankly, aren't as good. Tracy writes good stuff! Period.

Tracy is also the reason I read M/M at all. I liked her other books so well I decided to give one of her 'Clan Beginnings' books a try and ended up loving them even more than some of the others. These books reach into my heart and yank emotions out until I laugh out loud and then the next moment I'm reaching for the tissues. Isn't that what a good story is all about after all? Even the secondary characters are so well written that I found myself getting all wrapped up in their stories also and the amazing thing is that it, in no way, detracts from the main story line. It only enhances it to an amazing degree.

Usually I gobble up Tracy's books in one day (or less) but this time I was determined to make it last longer. It was painful, but I made myself take breaks for other things, like eating and sleeping, work and errands. I managed to make it last for 3 days. I'm so proud of myself. LOL Mind you, I don't know if I'll ever have the fortitude to try it again but I'm glad I did it this time anyway. It let me savor the story and appreciate all the little nuances that I occasionally miss as I'm too tired because it's 4am and I'm still reading. There were so many touching moments in this book and I fell in love with all 3 of the men. Nobek Breft stole my heart just as he stole into Rajhir's. I just want to give him a lot of hugs and cuddles. Imdiko Flencik is adorable and I completely understand why the other 2 fell in love with him. Watching Dramok Rajhir grow up from a playboy into a responsible caring man was very rewarding.

I wish I could write even half as well just so I could convince all of you to go read this book. I highly, highly recommend it with 5 plus stars. Now I get to go reread the story that this is the prequel for. WooHoo, 'Alien Embrace', here I come.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

These "Clan Beginnings" books are a real treat! As a long-time "Clans of Kalquor" fan, I've already 'met' these characters. And it's fun to read the prequel to see how these guys got their start together.

St. John really makes Rajhir, Flencik, and Breft come alive. Their struggles with family, their worries about their future, and their problems with clan are all very real and very genuine. In the first section, Rajhir's pursuit of Flencik is extremely hot! Who wouldn't fall for Flencik? He's such a sweet and caring guy. Then when Breft is brought into the picture, he mixes it up with the guys just fine. I loved how he muscled his way into the clan, and worked so hard to make a place for himself. Poor guy...it seems like he's had to struggle that way for much of his life.

And while I really liked the book, it seems like the author spent a long time developing Rajhir and Flencik as charactera, and a long time building the mysterious plots that put them in danger. But Breft's introduction seems almost abrupt in comparison, and I felt that his relationship with Rajhir just got a few paragraphs. Also, the plots don't seem to really get solved as much as they're just set aside.

But still...it's a wonderful story to read, and my Kindle is still cooling down, so I rounded up from 3 1/2 stars!

[Jo * Smut-Dickted * · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want more of these! Love the Clan Beginnings series.

Here Breft steals the show - seriously. Flencik is fine and that part is great but Breft is just outstanding. I was so worried when I started the book because it felt like Breft was odd man out - but boy did he pack a punch. I love his persistence and his personality. He knew what he wanted and he went for it. Great action, hot hot sex....more Clan Beginnings please!

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alien menage m/m/m romantic smut with scifi story

A prequel to another series, this m/m/m menage story has plenty of (light to medium core) kinky heat that is heightened by alien characters (and special physique) as well as an interesting science fiction setting. The strength of the work is the repeated sizzling scenes, with a decen amount of light to medium D/s, bondage, and bruising/rough scenes (with and extra appendage to spice things up). The relationship, scifi world building, and imperial politics provide a decent framework for an interesting story, especially the three different male roles in this alien society - leader, protector, comfortorer - are interesting in their own right but also serve to help notch up the heat by a level of two.

This prequel to the Clans of Kalquor m/m/m/f kinky science fiction alien abduction/menage/breeding smut can be read as a standalone. The story isn’t as strong as it could be, mainly because it’s a two-part prequel focused on introducing characters/relationships than being a single, tight story. However, the world building is strong enough for me to consider reading the m/m/m/f “abduct an Earth woman and have her dominated and roughly bred by three alien mates” main series.

While this all-male prequel has consensual D/s and bondage, some of the reviews of the main series emphasize the non-consensual nature of the sex/breeding with the abducted earth woman, so I’m hesitant to continue on, as I usually find non-consensual “romances” to be distateful. (If one is going to have a rape fantasy, write a rape fantasy. I’m not a fan of stories where the protagonist is raped -and any non-consensual sex is rape to me- and then they turn around and fall in love with their rapists.)

[Melody · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the beginning with Rajhir and Flencik. 5 stars for them. I was also eagerly anticipating Breft’s introduction but somewhere along the way the plotting seemed really off. The tension of the second half got dropped randomly for Breft’s ‘taming.’ Totally ruined all the emotional engagement and feels I had.

I felt like Breft deserved a better plot or more time with Rajhir. Their ‘love’ felt rather fast and forced for me considering where Rajhir was coming from with his not so positive first impressions of Breft.

I still purchased and read the whole thing, so obviously I enjoyed it, but the series is losing a bit of the magic from Clan and Conviction.

[Rosebud · Rating 5 out of 5]

"It's all about duty to the Empire, to keep it strong and sustainable. All other considerations are secondary." This is the mantra that's been drummed into Dramok Rajhir his entire life but at 27 years of age, and just having completed his schooling and internships, he wants to enjoy life before having to clan with a Nobek or Imdiko or begin his own life of service to the Empire. But his illustrious high ranking father, and fate, have other plans in store for Rajhir as his father has arranged for him to interview with an ageing borderline senile senior councilman as his aide. He WILL get the position as it's all been arranged.

On the way to his interview Rajhir accidentally happens on a new councilman who is also interviewing for a new aide. Dramok Ospar has the appearance of being a walking chaotic disaster who will probably end up being eaten by the sharks of the council but Rajhir soon finds out that appearances can be deceiving and he wants to be a part of Ospar's staff. Even if it means angering his parents and THEIR plans for him.


As a long time fan of this author and series I am happy to read the equivalent of prequel stories to the various installments to the "Clan Of Kalquor" series. Clan, Honor, And Empire is the prequel to Alien Embrace. Now, as I can definitely say that this book can be read as a standalone, I want to follow that up with this analogy. If you haven't read the "Clans Of Kalquor" series but especially "Alien Embrace," reading this book first is like watching the prequel trilogy of "Star Wars" before the originals. That's the best way I can put it.

I really appreciated the author penning this spin off series that gave me insight into the formation of the clans BEFORE they meet their Matara (female life bringer). For any potential reader: you have to be comfortable with man on man loving to read this spin off series because there is very sensual, very descriptive, very HAWT man on man action with absolutely no vajajay's in sight. It includes BDSM play scenes between the men. Just know it's consensual and totally totally manly. :D

This book is really broken into two parts. The first half features our main guy Dramok Rajhir meeting Imdiko Flencik, a genius level geek surgeon/scientific researcher. I loved the evolving relationship that included angst situations and baggage issues that added a suspense factor. The second half featured Rajhir & Flencik meeting Nobek Breft, a warrior at a different stage in his life who added more problems for the trio to work through. I KNOW I'm not giving away spoiler info as we already know the trio do land up clanning (reference to the fact they meet their matara in Alien Embrace) but it's the journey to get to that point that gave me a better appreciation as to why they really were worthy to clan with Amelis.

Now, there's not just a romance with various twists and turns going on in this book. No. There's an interesting storyline that has suspense and intrigue with a side of evil bad guy thrown in. I'm mixed as to whether I agreed with how things played out or just ended up being confused. It would take re-reading Alien Embrace to clear up issues I thought I picked up which I just might do at some point in the future. Overall impression though is that I highly enjoyed this read and can't wait for more.

I do want to add that I hesitated over a paranormal tag but eventually decided it doesn't fit. The reason is that I really didn't see anything paranormal. The Kalquors do have fangs that inject venom/stimulant/aphrodisiac but is that really paranormal ... or sci fi?

[Angela Goodrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

St. John’s Clan Beginnings series just keeps getting better and better. I actually like the fact that the author is jumping around in the telling of the different clans’ beginnings and how they came to be before they met their Matara. In the case of Clan, Honor, and Empire, we find out how the first Kalquorian clan we ever met was formed. Yes, this is the story of Clan Rajhir – the men who became the first to take an Earther as their Matara after discovering that they were genetically compatible. Let me tell you folks, this was a treat to read for me.

Perhaps because this is the third book in the series, the author seems even more comfortable in crafting the tales of Clan Rajhir’s forming and by breaking it down into the two sections it actually felt like being treated to two full-length novels in one. In book one we find out how Dramok Rajhir finds his eventual Imdiko when his much aggrieved Dramok father forces him to take on the responsibility of his position sooner rather than later. I found Rajhir’s job interview quite humorous and rather telling of Rajhir’s shortcoming – often underestimating the situation and those around him. This is why his reaction to Flencik was so enjoyable for me because despite his best intentions to live up his youth, Rajhir soon found himself ready to start his clan years ahead of schedule. The man does know how to recognize a good thing when he sees it. The action and espionage that is infused within book one keeps the story moving and makes the rise in Rajhir’s protective nature for his Imdiko-to-be understandable.

I enjoyed the heck out of book one and watching that part of Clan Rajhir form, but book two was my favorite part of Clan, Honor, and Empire because seeing how Breft became the Nobek of Clan Rajhir was absolutely delightful. Honestly, the scene in which Breft is clanned had me snickering at Rajhir and his reaction. Even better was Flencik putting his foot down and reminding Rajhir that being an Imdiko did not mean Flencik was weak and the man would fight for what he wanted. While there was plenty of outside action and intrigue threatening the men, it was the watching the relationship between the three develop that I enjoyed the most as there was a lot of conflict between Rajhir and Breft that had to be worked through as well as Breft learning how to be the Nobek he was meant to be yet hadn’t quite become due to his youth. Both parts had plenty of man-on-man and man-on-man-on-man action to keep me well satisfied – oh the benefits of youth. I loved Clan, Honor, and Empire and am ecstatic that Clan and Crown has just been released – now I just have to find the time to read it.

I reviewed my personal copy of this book.
Reviewed by Angela at Crystal's Many Reviewers!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another good read from Tracy St. John; however, it was somewhat similar to the previous book, Clan and Conviction, but not so much as to stop me from reading. It was still worth reading and it had a lot of creative thinking going into it, as do all her books. The addition of a young Nobeck just out of training camp was perfect for this new clan.

[Riley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I am a big fan of the Clans of Kalquor series, I really enjoy reading the Clan Beginnings books and getting more backstory, not only on the clans, but also more Kalquor history. Clan, Honor, and Empire provides a lot of Kalquor history, Clan Rajhir's beginning as well as some insight in to more than one of the other Kalquor clans featured in the series. You get a lot of bang for you buck with this one!

The story seemed to drag for me though. Maybe it was too long. But mostly because I don't think I liked the members of this clan as much as I have others. Breft is too young. Flencik is too needy and Rajhir, for a Dramok, is too indecisive. Don't get me wrong, it was still a good story and in telling it, Ms. St. John give us more insight into the three Kalquorian breeds. I just can't rate it as high as all the other Kalquorian books.

Having read Clan, Honor, and Empire, I am now ready to read the re-edited, expanded version of Alien Embrace and the story of Clan Rajhir's search for a Matara. Having first read this initial book of the Clans of Kalquor series a few years back, it will be interesting to revisit.

[Brandy R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loves it

It breaks your heart that Breft doesn’t have the resources to clan well, he loves Flencik but he is clanned to Rajhir. I love that Flencik gives Breft a chance. It’s heartbreaking that Gerga and Rajhir couldn’t work out their issue before he was murdered. I feel with Rajhir he is the kind of Dramok that was very much entitled because of being related to the Royal clan and he had well to do parents but I think Breft and Flencik balanced him out. I wish though that Breft could have had more accolades in this you do see him winning a position with Global Security, they do celebrate but I wish they could have shown so much more of the accomplishments he made because he needed to feel he earned it and it wasn’t handed it him

[Janell · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a very, very good idea to explore the clans' beginnings. I didn't get a sense that the clanning process was so formal (or fun) for the menfolk in the main series...I'm ashamed to say that Alien Embrace didn't hold my attention as much as Clan, Honor, and Empire did. The bonds that formed among the main characters provided me with more insight into the Kalquor clan dynamics, and I'm glad there was a suspenseful sub-plot to go along with the sizzling sex...makes me want to give the main series another try.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this was my favorite of the series. I just loved all three of these men. Rajhir and his parents were so well drawn out and Flencik had his cute moments but he also had some spirit. I liked the plot line and intrigue as well. The also enjoyed the fact that we got to see Flencik and Rajhir become a strong stable couple before they added Bereft to the group. Bereft also made a nice addition in the second half especially since he was unexpected and I really never saw a character like him entering the group mix.

[Evanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this. Totally hot dude on dude! It's about how the clan in the first Kalquor book was put together. Rajhir and Flencik are high-class guys who get together first. Then Flencik starts to fall for low-class grunt Breft, and Rajhir gets upset. I like how Rajhir got knocked off his pedestal a bit.

[Marianne Bair · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best!

I could not put this book down. I feel that it was the best Kalqour novel yet. The characters were were so real. The emotional depth had me laughing and crying right with them

[Denise White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story .. And I loved Breft.. He was just awesome .. I felt every emotion also he was funny .. I have liked all the Clan Beginnings books.. Can't wait for the next..I thought this book answered all questions at the end..wonderful plot!!

[Ameliacullen1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all of the Kalquor stories and I really enjoyed Clan, Honor and Empire.

It adds so much to Alien Embrace to see how Rahjir, Flencik, and Breft met and became a Clan. Seeing them before they met Amelia adds a greater depth. Now I need to re-read Alien Embrace.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book. 5 stars so well deserved, can't wait for the next one!

[George · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best of this series so far!

[Ingrid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly entertaining. Be aware that is a prequel to an m-m-m-f book that has been previously published. I did not read that one and for understanding of this story you don't need to.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series (the M/M part of it) just keeps getting better and better. Really enjoyed this one!

[Melinda W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Clan Rajhir. Top to bottom and inside out. They are all absolutely fabulous.